British food: bloody good in New York!

The Libertine

The pitch: A cross between a pub and an English gentleman’s club, serving comfort food with a twist.

The pedigree: The latest project from uber chef Todd English, who is—in fact—Italian-American, and whose empire now includes some 16 restaurants, three cookbooks and a product line.

Signature dish: Libertine fish-and-chips, in-house tartar, gem lettuce ($19).

But how British it it, bloke? Vaguely. While dark paneling and tufted leather couches certainly give it that Pall Mall flair, dishes like Kobe beef hot dog and caviar sliders are about as English as…Madonna.

The verdict: Reception has been lukewarm, with critics underwhelmed by the execution of English’s pricey pub food. But those still standing on Wall Street welcome the addition to the neighborhood’s slim dining options.

The Libertine
Gild Hall
15 Gold St. at Platt St.
212-232-7700